Church Village Travel
Davenport House
Main Road
Church Village
Pontypridd CF38 1RL
Tel: 01443 207495
South Africa's largest city, Johannesburg, is the financial and commercial heart of the country
Vast, opulent shopping centres to tantalize avid shoppers
Visit Johannesburg Zoo, where the animals are confined by moats
Catch the gumboot dancing displays in the historical theme park Gold Reef City
Resort Guide > Johannesburg
The Gold Rush Continues...
From the frenzy of the gold rush days of 1886, to the vibrant present day Johannesburg, 'eGoli', this gleaming City of Gold, still beats to the same charismatic drum.
South Africa's largest city, Johannesburg, is the financial and commercial heart of the country, and houses the imposing Stock Exchange building.
But beyond business lies pleasure, and the wealthy suburbs of Sandton, Hyde Park, Rosebank, Marble Arch and Four-ways have vast, opulent shopping centres to tantalize avid shoppers. With exclusive boutiques, superb eateries, vibey pavement cafes and themed entertainment complexes, there's something for everyone.
Two must-sees are the Apartheid Museum, a fascinating record of South African life a mere decade ago and, at the other end of the spectrum, our beautiful Constitutional Court, protector of our basic human rights and freedoms. Both bring to life the dark history of South Africa, but end with the positive affirmations of a new beginning.
For an informative taste of a different lifestyle, venture into the sprawling township of Soweto for a tour of the laid back drinking dens known as shebeens, where one can tuck-in to a lunchtime feast of modern local cuisine, share experiences with the people of Soweto and if luck's on your side, you'll be treated to some impromptu live music.
Out in the suburbs, both Randburg and Bruma have created their own unique waterfronts with shops and waterside restaurants, while an hour's drive from Johannesburg, you'll find yourself on a charming arts and crafts meander in the tranquil Magaliesberg Mountain area.
Gauteng is inordinately proud of its recently proclaimed World Heritage Site, the Sterkfontein Caves, where the earth's earliest hominid has been unearthed. The Cradle of Mankind encompasses important archeological findings of 15 sites, culminating in the discovery at Sterkfontein. At Maropeng, a few kilometres away is a world class exhibition centre that compliments the discovery at Sterkfontein.
Highlights
- Catch the gumboot dancing displays - and a rollercoaster, if you're brave - in the historical theme park Gold Reef City.
- Shop among the seriously rich at Rosebank or Sandton.
- Visit Johannesburg Zoo, where the animals are confined by moats, not bars.
- Listen to the messages of former inmates of prison 'Number Four', now known as Constitution Hill, home of South Africa's Constitutional Court.
- Visit the Apartheid Museum for an evocative, moving taste of the effects of white supremacy.
- Make a pilgrimage to the dawn of humanity the World Heritage Site of the Sterkfontein Caves.